Med students take a study break

A second-year medical student, Mandy Woods welcomed a break from studying — even if it meant spending the afternoon with a chatty 7-year-old.

Woods and her classmates at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine quit hitting the books for a few hours this semester to volunteer as T-ball coaches and buddies for disabled kids in the Challenger Division at Mobile's Westside Park. Kids who play on the team have physical and mental disabilities that range from being sight- or hearing-impaired, to Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism.

During a recent practice game, 7-year-old Sam Partridge, who is hearing impaired, wiggled in the outfield, tugging on Woods and laughing as she tried to get him to watch a batter at the plate.

"I'm just so impressed with these kids taking their time from their busy schedules for these children," said Mike Partridge, Sam's father.

"You can tell their hearts are in it," said the dad.

Playing ball has given his son confidence, he said. "He thinks he's the best player of all time."

The medical students paired up with the kids, coaching them to stop ground balls in the outfield and run the bases faster.

As Sam tapped the ball with the bat, Woods grabbed his hand and ran the bases with him.

USA student Dianna Thomas, the community service chairwoman for the class, said the response from her classmates was overwhelming when she e-mailed them about working with the Challenger League kids as part of their community service work.

"These kids love it," said Thomas. "You see it in their face."

And you can also tell by their actions.

Greeting USA student William Perez with a hug, 17-year-old T-ball player Alex Moore smiled and said, "He's sweet."

While the medical students are required to do community service work each semester, the students said they have enjoyed the experience.

"It's really a good, uplifting break," said Perez. "You feel good about yourself after you leave."

Woods said, the experience helped her focus on what's important.

"Everything isn't about grades," said Woods, who wasn't ready for the season to be over. "I'm not sure what I'm going to do without seeing Sam every week."